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What you need to know

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced his re-election bid Friday, and a trial over the state’s political maps reached its tail-end Saturday. Catch up on what you may have missed over the weekend and dive into a couple of must-read Tribune stories this Monday morning. Here’s what you need to know:

• Friday was all about Gov. Greg Abbott, who formally launched his re-election bid in San Antonio four years to the day — and at the same place — that he first threw his hat into the gubernatorial ring. “I will not allow big government policies to lead Texas down the wrong path,” Abbott told the crowd, adding, “I’m counting on you to have my back.” Abbott tucked the upcoming special legislative session — which begins July 18 — into his announcement without specifically mentioning it, instead referencing a couple of high-profile issues he’s tasked lawmakers with addressing, such as property tax reform and more restrictions on abortion.

• A Pass to Poison — After months of research, The Texas Tribune found an arcane loophole in Texas’ environmental rules that allows industrial facilities to spew toxic chemicals into the air — often exceeding their permit limits — with little to no punishment from the state’s environmental regulatory agency. More than 3,700 rogue emissions releases at around 775 industrial sites happened across the state last year — more than 10 per day on average — according to a Tribune analysis.

• Patrick will also be at a Travis County GOP event tonight, along with newly-elected Republican Party of Texas chairman James Dickey. Follow Texas Tribune reporter Emma Platoff for updates.

Tribune today

• From Ross Ramsey: Will state leaders kick off the special session Tuesday with civility and a fresh start? Fat chance — they’re starting where they left off seven weeks ago by trash-talking each other.

Photo of the day

Gov. Greg Abbott greets Wendy Randall and her husband Martin during a block walk in McAllen the day after his re-election announcement on July 15. Photo by Bob Daemmrich. See more photos on our Instagram account.

Quote to note

“Being as close as we are to the election, Abbott looks extraordinarily strong. There’s not even a rumor or a sniff of opposition. This is as good as it gets.“